Profile For Ramos L.

That's terrible. I worked as an Accident Investigator for three years and this is unfathomable. He must have hit and jumped like a curb at a really high level of speed. This is the equivalent of burning water in trucking. Unreal.

Ramos;

Didn't you mention that you were a driver at some point as well..also? Neither here nor there; but sometimes things DO get really weird, really quick.

This was part of our Ohio week; two main highways.....talk about unfathomable!!!

Ohio US30 T/T collision .. fatality for one driver.

The dump truck driver jumped MORE than a curb; it was a WHOLE jersey barrier!! ANYone have any clue(s) how ?!?!?

Stay safe, BE safe, fellow drivers (and non!)

~ Anne ~

ps: Ramos; PLEASE add at least your STATE, to your profile!! Thanks, man.

Never been a driver, started of as a recruiter, accident investigator and now DM.

I live south of the border so that's not an option for profile lol.

That's terrible. I worked as an Accident Investigator for three years and this is unfathomable. He must have hit and jumped like a curb at a really high level of speed. This is the equivalent of burning water in trucking. Unreal.

About a year or so before getting my cdl license, I got a careless driving ticket. I was just wondering how bad of a problem this is for finding a job or even getting insurance. Thanks

I was a recruiter at the company i work now a few years ago. For careless it was three years, and it is perhaps one of the more laxed companies you'll find (at least big companies) so that may give you a barometer. Maybe a smaller company will be willing to give you a shot. Did you cause an accident? That also counts.

Best of luck!

I'm about to start at swift but now have second thought because of the horror story's and been told that other truckers don't like swift drivers and that they r the laughing stock of truckers I'm just wondering if swift academy was a good choice

I don't work for Swift nor I'm a driver but they are as big as they are for a reason. As long as you are safe and deliver on time, you'll have a long-successful career. Swift has thousands upon thousands of units, of course accidents and other stuff will come with that. I worked as an Accident Investigator for one of the, if not the largest reefer company in the US and accidents happened every day. Most 'horror' stories you'll hear are from failed drivers and/or people who want to mock and be part of a fad like Swift memes are.

Every company will have great drivers and others not so great, specially in a big company. Be safe out there and good luck.

Stuffs been strange lately. I'll get to the bridge issue in a second.

My current DM let me know he will be leaving soon in private. He's a really nice kid, and has bent over backwards for me, but he has struggles with getting me routes that I need from the load planners, they seem to take advantage of him.

His alternate is on the ball and I get along well with him. The other alternate I clash with. I asked the alternate I groove with if I could get on his board when my dm leaves. He said yes please, he loves having great drivers on his board. He talked with the TM, and they have both been dispatching me loads on the sly. I took care of a bunch of pita local loads for them and they are handling me loads that I want and need.

It feels kind of crappy to do to my regular DM but it makes a large monetary difference per week. I don't want to get caught in the middle of a conflict so am still principally running under my regular DM but having the new guy fix loads. Both the TM and DMs flat out told me that they want to ensure I stay happy and well stocked with good loads as they count on me. Feels good in that aspect.

Ok, the bridge. Been doing local weird stuff, had to shuttle a bad trailer to a fleet service place. Was tired and hungry, not paying attention, with my head in my emotions. Drove past the alley, past the 9'0 Bridge ahead signs. Very tight road.

That gut level instinct popped up, as I passed an unused exit to an oil refinery. The garmin started popping alarm tones. I put on the hazards and pulled over half on the road, half on what little shoulder there is. 35 mph road, but tons of traffic.

I walked down about a quarter mile to see the bridge height, Super low. 9 feet. Lots of swear words and self condemnation. Quick thinking, no where for a u turn at all. Thinking I'll have to call the DM, safety and police. Then I remember the entrance, nicely on my sight side. I'll have to back up and do a 90 into it. I go walk it, check it out, it will work. No spotter around and it's following a blind corner.

I hustle, pre angle the 90 and go backwards in the other lane, whip it in first shot, no pull up, perfect, no adjustments.

All well that ends well, I message to please include the warning of the low bridge if you miss the driveway (it's overgrown and easy to miss) in the directions for the customer.

I told my DM what happened, he replied "I trust you and no worries, and you're all good"

I think GTown said to be careful with the emotions going on with the break up. Very true. Not happy with myself over it. It's another instance where I just have really good luck and instincts. Not how I want to run.

I know this is almost a week old but felt compelled to reply... As a DM myself, we want our drivers to do well. Even if that means you leaving the fleet. Do what is best for you, and always be honest and upfront with things, we like those types of drivers. If you explain it and show your appreciation for him and all he did, I'm positive he'll be very happy for you. Keep doing your thing and be safe out there.

I've actually sent the link to Brett's book to a couple of DMs. I think it has very valuable information about what life really is behind the wheel and the thought process of a driver. Behind our desks we do our best to keep our drivers happy and busy. I'm in the OTR division so sometimes things get tricky with trips and swaps and all the things that comes with this, but we really enjoy what we do and get great satisfaction when our drivers are succeeding.

Sometimes the perception of a dispatcher can be like "this dude is a jerk" and sure, maybe there are some out there, that's people for you. But seriously, the vast majority want for you to do well. It's never personal, it is just that we have a job to do and customers to take care of. Plus, this is a production-based industry. The more you drive, the better your paychecks will be. People should see that as a compliment and an opportunity, rather than a punishment.

I say this for anyone browsing around trying to get their feet wet in this lifestyle (I refer to trucking, specially OTR as lifestyle, not job). Happy to give some insight behind the scenes as well and tell some truths or facts.

Ramos, that's awesome !

I know you probably don't care to mention your company, but ... if you DO end up with any 'disgruntleds' .. send them over here; we'll set'em straight, for sure! :)

Another thing; could you perhaps outline how YOU got into doing what you do, and what would be the best way for someone looking to get into the 'office' life? A few of our guys have left driving, and one left to become a fleet manager of sorts; another is applying for the 'head of safety' position.

I've known a few drivers that get 'burned out' and might actually be GOOD at the other end of the spectrum, honestly.

Have you ever driven? Do you have a CDL?

It'd be really nice to hear some of the things that we drivers (and wives of) wonder about Y'ALL !

Thanks, Ramos. Good to have you.

~ Anne ~

Never driven, don't have a CDL. I came in as a recruiter about five years ago. I used to work as an e-commerce rep but moved here for a better opportunity and chance to grow. After that, I moved to the Accident Investigations department and now OTR.

I think a good bit of companies would take you as long as you have a clean record and they have openings, of course. If you're in a bigger company like I am, there are going to be so many departments you can be a part of. From safety, to fleet manager, accidents, recruiting, logistics, and many others.

I don't have a big problem telling you where I'm at, but again, it would probably sound as kind of cheap promo.

Be safe out there.

Welcome to TT, Ramos!

You're not breaking any rules at all; glad to have you! We used to have a recruiter/FM from Greater Omaha Express (GOE) in the mix, pre covid. JRod was a great guy, we loved his input. Had an insurance underwriter (Cornelius) join us, awhile back..as well.

Some of us appreciate YOUR end of the spectrum, as well..even us 'Trucker's Wives!'

Thanks for stopping in, and stay in the mix! Send your friends our way; we love company, too.

~ Anne & Tom ~

I've actually sent the link to Brett's book to a couple of DMs. I think it has very valuable information about what life really is behind the wheel and the thought process of a driver. Behind our desks we do our best to keep our drivers happy and busy. I'm in the OTR division so sometimes things get tricky with trips and swaps and all the things that comes with this, but we really enjoy what we do and get great satisfaction when our drivers are succeeding.

Sometimes the perception of a dispatcher can be like "this dude is a jerk" and sure, maybe there are some out there, that's people for you. But seriously, the vast majority want for you to do well. It's never personal, it is just that we have a job to do and customers to take care of. Plus, this is a production-based industry. The more you drive, the better your paychecks will be. People should see that as a compliment and an opportunity, rather than a punishment.

I say this for anyone browsing around trying to get their feet wet in this lifestyle (I refer to trucking, specially OTR as lifestyle, not job). Happy to give some insight behind the scenes as well and tell some truths or facts.

Stay safe out there.

Hello all,

First of, I'm not sure if I'm breaking a rule here but let me clarify I'm not a driver or prospective driver.

I'm a Fleet Manager for a large U.S. company (won't mention name in case that breaks forum rules and to not make this look like cheap promotion).

Anywho, I've browsed this forum for a few years, back when I started as a recruiter for said company, but figured I would create an account and say hi.

Reading this forum has made me further realize the passion, battles, struggles and joy of being a truck driver and I want to thank Brett for making this space. I've learnt a lot by reading it and has helped me understand and sympathize with drivers even more.

Truck driving is a challenging, yet rewarding and fulfilling career. It is NOT for everyone, but if you are the type of person who likes an adventure, unpredictability and good money, this is a great career for you. Whether that is OTR, Dedicated, Regional or Intermodal position, it does not matter. What matters is that you're doing a TREMENDOUS contribution and labour for millions of people. The country (and the world, for that matter) moves because of people like you, and you should be super proud about that.

That being said, thank you for doing what you do. Keep being safe out there and enjoy what you do. I wish you the best of success in any company you're working with.

Keep on trucking.

Ramos.